---
title: Add plugins
description: Plugins are a way to enhance the basic Elasticsearch functionality in a custom manner. They range from adding custom mapping types, custom analyzers (in...
url: https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/pull/5739/deploy-manage/deploy/self-managed/plugins
products:
  - Elasticsearch
applies_to:
  - Self-managed Elastic deployments: Generally available
---

# Add plugins
Plugins are a way to enhance the basic Elasticsearch functionality in a custom manner. They range from adding custom mapping types, custom analyzers (in a more built in fashion), custom script engines, custom discovery and more.
For information about selecting and installing plugins, see [Elasticsearch plugins](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/elasticsearch/tree/main/reference/elasticsearch-plugins).
For information about developing your own plugin, see [Create Elasticsearch plugins](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/elasticsearch/tree/main/extend).